Why do
you think Asian music has become more popular in recent years?More Asian artists & producers are coming out. This and the influence of people around the world using Indian samples of different records and celebrating our culture as a whole.
What kind of obstacles have you had to face to bring your music out there?
People’s ignorance is always something you have to face. People expect you as an Asian producer to make solely bhangra records and these expectations are uncalled for. We’re not doing that, we’re making British Asian music which represents what we’re about and incorporates different styles from Arabic, Hip Hop. Hindi, Bollywood, R&B and more…
Whose idea was it to do the Bhangraeton thing?
It was a collective decision to be honest. When Jay (Sean) went to Puerto Rico, he hooked up with the Luny Tunez. Their scene is parallel to ours so we thought why not get together and do something different. Wait till you see the results!
Will you be working with more Reggaeton artists like Luny Tunes?
Yeah well we recorded a whole album with the Luny Tunes and artists from their camp. Artists like Mr Phillips who features on my second single ‘Stomp’, Joseph and many more…
What’s the reception like abroad?
The reception is amazing abroad, we get so many people coming out to see our shows which is great. Australia for example was mad, and they don’t even have proper shops that sell our music there so it’s crazy to see how music travels.
Where did you get the concept for the new album?
There wasn’t a specific concept, I just wanted to make an album that I would like to listen to which has all my different musical tastes on and that’s what I did.
Will you be adding more artists to the Rishi camp?
I’m always looking out for new artists, there are some on this album so let’s see how their tracks are received on this album and then take it from there.
What are the plans for artists such as Jay Sean & Juggy D?
Both Jay Sean and Juggy will be releasing solo albums, both of which you’ll hear more about soon. Aside from that, both of them have been working on tracks and recorded for the collaboration with the Luny Tunez camp, and I’m sure we’ll be doing some more bollywood stuff too.
What was it like filming the video for Push It Up?
It was amazing. We’ve never done a beach type video before so it was a good experience, it helps when the weathers great and there is good people around.
Are you looking forward to the release?
Yeah of course, I’m really looking forward to it.
If you weren’t doing music what else would you be doing?
I can’t imagine myself not working in music to be honest but if I had to choose, it might be something to do with computers or cars.
Which other artists have you worked with on this album?
I’ve worked with loads of different artists on this album, so you’ll find a real mish mash which is good. On ‘The Project’, we have Rafaqat Ali Khan, Josh, JD (Dready), Baby Blue, J2K, Reggaton artist Mr Phillips, French-Canadian R&B vocalist Chhaya, Bajan singer Alison Hines, Soloman and obviously Jay (Sean), Juggy & Veronica. Something for everyone.
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By Rashmi Shastri - Jul 2006